There are numerous ways to contact employers. Even in a good job market, the old standby's of perusing the classified ads, or visiting the state unemployment office, probably won't get you the job you want. Below, several strategies are described. Your research will show you which methods are most common in your field. But you may want to use more than one approach.
Before LAN and WAN and the Internet, people networked with each other. Since the majority of jobs (over 50%) are never advertised, knowing someone inside, or knowing someone who knows someone inside, becomes vital. This is probably the most effective tool for finding and applying for a job, other people. Job seekers sometimes forget that they already have a job search network in place, and can expand their contacts to maximize its effectiveness.
A job search network is nothing more than a "web" of contacts, people you know who will help pass information between you and potential employers. Your network can include family, friends, teachers, fellow students, current and past employers, co-workers, and other social aquaintances. You can also foster professional contacts with people currently working in the field or within a particular company.
It's easier than you think. Just let your social contacts know that your looking for work. Your neighbor's son may work for that company you're interested in. A co-worker's spouse may run their own business and need someone with your skills. A fellow student may have already applied for a similar job and have advice on what works and what doesn't. Your instructor may be willing to call an employer on your behalf. (It's kind of like that shampoo commercial: "And they told two friends ... and they told two friends ...)
Professional contacts can be made directly through informational interviews, job fairs and open houses, or at professional functions like conferences and workshops. PCC night classes often are taken by working professionals. (You might even be taking a class with your next boss.) Professional/Trade Associations offer activities that are open to students or entry-level professionals.
The job search network is used to collect and distribute information. Probably the most valuable information you can get is the name of an "inside" contact. If you call up Human Resources at Nike, and ask for the manager of a particular department, you're going to be told to send in a resume and wait for their call. (Your resume will then be thrown into a pot of approximately 50,000 other resumes.) But if you know someone else who works at or with Nike, they may already know that manager's name, or be able to research it for you. Then you'll know who to send your resume to directly.
The best source of information about a corporation will come from the inside. You can certainly talk to Personnel or Public Relations, but you might get better answers from someone else. And you don't have to set up a formal informational interview to talk to people about their jobs and companies. Even casual conversations can give you valuable insight. ("What's it like to work for your company? Why do you like your job? Do you think I should apply for work there?") And if you can get inside the door for a tour, that's even better.
Don't forget to use your network leads to make other network leads. For example, if turned down for a job, ask that employer for suggestions regarding other companies. Then ask the employer for contacts within those companies. One "closed door" might open another. Sometimes your network may be two or three people "deep" before you get that name on the inside.
| Activity: Sketch out your existing network by listing the names of people you know who may be able to help you find a job. Write down their names, relationship to you and how they might help you. Try to come up with at least 10 contacts. |
Whether you are responding to an advertised job opening, or submitting your application "cold", these methods are usually effective. Regardless of method, remember to focus on professionalism and quality of presentation.
| Activity: Click here to go to our Links page. Use one of the directories to search a corporate web site (your choice). Find out how the company posts jobs, how to apply and try to find a contact name. |
Often you can use services or organizations to help you find work. Many of these are especially useful for students and other entry-level job seekers.
| Activity: Click here to go to our Special Events page to check for job fairs, open houses and other special events. |
While you should use traditional methods of job search, don't be afraid to try something different as well. Use Cooperative Education or Volunteer work to show an employer what you can do. Even a non-paid experience will "pay off", either in a direct hire or with additional experience to put on your resume. School projects can be used to "get inside" a company as well. Instead of using only library resources for research projects, contact companies to learn about their technologies or their research findings. Write a report or prepare a speech choosing a company or career as a topic, and go directly to the source. You may even want to pressure your instructors to arrange for industry tours and guest speakers. Develop a web site, both to post your resume and to function as a "virtual portfolio". Submit samples of your computer work on CD or DVD. Send telegrams or greeting cards to get an employer's attention. Really any approach is acceptable as long as it is both functional and professional.
| Activity: Design a business card for yourself. Avoid company names or job titles. Simply list your name, address, phone and career field (e.g., "Programming/Systems Analysis"). Include a logo of your own design or clip art. |
Last Modified: July 29, 1999. Send comments or suggestions regarding these pages to: Webmaster